CVE-2017-12610 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2017-12610 affecting Apache Kafka versions 0.10.0.0 to 0.10.2.1 and 0.11.0.0 to 0.11.0.1. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this impersonation vulnerability.
CVE-2017-12610 was published on July 26, 2018, affecting Apache Kafka versions 0.10.0.0 to 0.10.2.1 and 0.11.0.0 to 0.11.0.1. The vulnerability allows authenticated Kafka clients to impersonate other users through a crafted protocol message.
Understanding CVE-2017-12610
This CVE impacts Apache Kafka, specifically in the area of authentication and impersonation.
What is CVE-2017-12610?
In Apache Kafka versions 0.10.0.0 to 0.10.2.1 and 0.11.0.0 to 0.11.0.1, authenticated clients can exploit impersonation by creating a manual protocol message when using SASL/PLAIN or SASL/SCRAM authentication with the built-in PLAIN or SCRAM server implementations.
The Impact of CVE-2017-12610
This vulnerability can lead to information disclosure, allowing authenticated Kafka clients to impersonate other users, potentially compromising data confidentiality.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-12610
Apache Kafka's vulnerability involves impersonation through crafted protocol messages.
Vulnerability Description
Impersonation can occur when authenticated Kafka clients manually create protocol messages using SASL/PLAIN or SASL/SCRAM authentication with the built-in PLAIN or SCRAM server implementations.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Apache Kafka
- Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
- Affected Versions: 0.10.0.0 to 0.10.2.1, 0.11.0.0 to 0.11.0.1
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited by authenticated Kafka clients through the creation of a specific protocol message while utilizing SASL/PLAIN or SASL/SCRAM authentication.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2017-12610.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade Apache Kafka to a non-vulnerable version.
- Implement proper authentication and authorization mechanisms.
- Monitor and audit user activities to detect potential impersonation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Apache Kafka to the latest secure versions.
- Conduct security training for users to raise awareness of authentication best practices.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches provided by Apache Software Foundation to fix the vulnerability and enhance system security.